mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. This specimen has been tumbled and polished by human intervention.
Uses & applications
Used as a gemstone in jewelry, decorative items, healing crystals, and industrially for its silicon content and piezoelectric properties.
Geological facts
The milky white color is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is one of the most common mineral varieties on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), waxy luster when polished, and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in quartz veins globally; significant deposits are in Brazil and the USA.
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